How to Interpret Dreams and Visions Perry Stone

THE RISE OF FAMILIAR SPIRITS In the early days of nations and empires, and in the infant stage of the nation of Israel, it was common for kings to inquire of men concerning the future. These included astrologers who claimed to read the positioning of the stars, including lunar and solar eclipses, meteorites, and comets. Ancient history could fill volumes with accounts of superstitious leaders who looked to the creation instead of the Creator. Pharaoh had magicians in his court. Nebuchadnezzar was teamed with his astrologers, magicians, and fortunetellers. These kings believed these fortunetellers were capable of interpreting dreams, omens, and signs in the sky. There were, and still are today, times when a psychic, fortuneteller, or a mind reader is actually operating with what Scripture calls a “familiar spirit.” In the days of Saul, the rebellious king had grieved the Holy Spirit, and God refused to answer Saul’s prayer requests. In desperation the king sought out a witch who was operating through the force of a familiar spirit (1 Sam. 28:7, KJV ). The witch conducted what is called a séance , attempting to bring the spirit of a departed righteous man, Samuel, from the underworld. An aged-looking spirit suddenly appeared to the witch, coming up from below the ground, and Saul assumed it was Samuel (1 Sam. 28:7–14). There are disagreements among theologians as to whether this was literally the spirit of Samuel or a familiar spirit imitating